Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've sent you a PM about Touchless.

As for soaps, I would 100% try Reset and GSF. Another I'll throw into the mix would be Opti-Coat M-Wash. This is a very nice soap with the easiest rinse-off you'll experience, smells nice and foams very well. It's a bit expensive at full price, but ZAS have it on sale at the moment.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...366bef19&_ss=r
https://www.zas.com.au/product/915/o...ash_473ml.html

image

I also rate Optimum Car Wash, Shine Supply Shift and the Adam's Soaps.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...1686a00a&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...30220385943641
https://adamspolishes.com.au/product...a7e4e584&_ss=r
https://adamspolishes.com.au/product...-shampoo-16-oz

Ooohh nice, thanks DFB. There goes some of my savings again lol

[prydey]

My carpro ech20 is getting low. I mainly use it diluted as a spray and wipe quick detailer on my bike and even more diluted as a rinseless wash on my caravan.

Is there another product that can do both jobs or should I look at just getting 2 different products that specialise in each specific area.

Ech20 is nice and easy to use and leaves a reasonable finish (hard to really tell because my bike and van both have a high gloss finish anyway) but just interested in maybe trying something else.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

My carpro ech20 is getting low. I mainly use it diluted as a spray and wipe quick detailer on my bike and even more diluted as a rinseless wash on my caravan.

Is there another product that can do both jobs or should I look at just getting 2 different products that specialise in each specific area.

Ech20 is nice and easy to use and leaves a reasonable finish (hard to really tell because my bike and van both have a high gloss finish anyway) but just interested in maybe trying something else.

Would you believe you are the ONLY Aussie to have asked me (well this thread) for rinse-less wash suggestions. I know it doesn't suit every situation, but I've become a huge advocate for the method.

And even if you don't like the idea of rinse-less washing, having a product like this on hand is very useful. I have both ONR and ECH20 mixed up at the Quick Detailer ratios for door jambs, interior dusting and engine bay wipe downs. They make good clay lubricants and drying aids, some can also be used on glass. I even put McKee's N-914 in the windscreen washer bottle as it softens the water, offers slickness between the wipers and glass, all while being much nicer than the aggressive windscreen solutions on the market.



With ECH20, that is basically the slickest and glossiest rinse-less/waterless wash on the market. Compared to most others, ECH20 leaves behind a small amount of protection in the form of wax and Si02, so this is why it really excels at tactile elements. In actual fact, the wax element was mainly for lubrication apparently.

If you like the feel of ECH20, the closest competitor would be Opti-Coat No Rinse, otherwise known as "Yellow ONR". This version of ONR has Si02 in the formula and has the most delightful mango scent. At 256:1 for rinse-less washing, it appears to be a touch easier to work with compared to ECH20. For waterless washing, mix it at 128:1. It is expensive at full retail, but ZAS have it on special at the moment for $23.50, basically half price.

https://www.zas.com.au/product/955/o...nse_473ml.html
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ea012c06&_ss=r



The next slickest is P&S Absolute. This is my favorite and the one I grab most often for its ease of use, slickness, the coconut-lime scent and the way it plays with other P&S products. The only thing to be mindful of is the mixing, this is quite a gloopy/lumpy product that needs some technique to get the best from it. I've been told that you should gently shake the bottle before measuring out the dose, be too vigorous and you will alter the polymers. You may also find that it tends to settle on the top of the water, from experience I've found using warm tap water and a gentle stir with your hands to alleviate that. Absolute was designed with ONR in mind, so the same dilution ratios apply, 256:1 for rinse-less.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...0f6b5bbd&_ss=r
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0



The other one to look at would be the above-mentioned McKee's N-914. While they won't say this, but being a surfactant rather than polymer-based product, it's basically soap. Personally, I prefer the feel of polymers and the slicker feeling they bring, but N-914 does seem to have a touch more cleaning power.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mck...4&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...39575325147191

[prydey]

Thanks, as always.

Sounds like sticking with Ech20 might be the go.

I would probably still baulk at rinseless on my car, even though my car is worth significantly less than my van. I use it on the van mainly due to convenience. It's parked on dirt so rinseless makes less mess, and I don't have a hose long enough to reach.

I use it at 1:10 on my bike and it works well.

[DFB FGXR6]

I've been sitting on this for a while, but this is a warning for anyone with MIRCH Grime Off in their collection...............





That is chemical etching after using the product, something has basically ruined the finish. Polishing a test spot yielded no improvement.

I will never buy products advertised on social media ever again. Sure, the bottles look nice, and the brand is well presented, but this is typical of the "Facebook Brands". In that I mean a company set up by an individual to sell catalog products from a local blender, then advertised on social media and most likely "warehoused" in someone's backyard shed. And because these companies don't make or have any clue what's in the products, they and you have no recourse.

I have not reached out to MIRCH, they would likely point to user error. In no way was the product used improperly, such as on hot wheels or in hot direct sun. It was used in a spray, agitate and rinse fashion. And I've used various similar products without issue for many years.

[randel]

Damn that sucks! But I think you should send them a message. You are right - they will probably blame you. But point them to this thread if they want to get an idea of your techniques and experience with this stuff.

What have you got to loose - they may surprise you with a response? (probably not tho )

Imagine if it was a customers high end wheels that you used this on??

[prydey]

Originally Posted by randel

Imagine if it was a customers high end wheels that you used this on??

Precisely, although something tells me DFB will be pretty miffed even though they're 'just' steelies.

I would be too.

I also think it's worth giving them some feedback.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Precisely, although something tells me DFB will be pretty miffed even though they're 'just' steelies.

I would be too.

I also think it's worth giving them some feedback.

You would be correct with that assumption. Truth be told, this incident was what made me finally decided to replace the wheels entirely. Although, I quite liked those steelies, sooooo easy to clean!





For $300 cash, I'm going to overlook the two small nicks on one wheel and the missing center cap. I have already ordered a replacement cap and a bottle of Armour Detail Supply Wheel Coating from the USA, the same coating I used on the XR6 a few months ago, very happy with that coating.

The plan is to wash and decontaminate the wheels, removing the old wheel weights and adhesive. I'll then polish them up, have new rubber fitted, then ceramic coat and fit the wheels. I could probably re-use the Dunlop's, but they are the original OE fitment and are over 7 years old now, so new tyres are probably a smart move anyway. Going to do Michelin Agilis in the factory 215/70/R16 size. And I'll probably end up doing a full wheels off detail.

Washing in my driveway, I always get that smart ar.e neighbor or passerby who likes to drag out that "you'll wash all the paint off that car...." comment. Well, I guess that's what I did with these wheels! The chemical burns were the straw that broke the camels back if you will.

[Top_Ghia]

Waxit Boxing Day sale now on.

New polisher on the way.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

image

Waxit Boxing Day sale now on.
image
New polisher on the way.

Well done!

[Franco Cozzo]

What would you suggest for getting rid of serious amounts of oil/grease? Is there any particular product? I've been using Kenco degreaser undiluted under my ACCO and it worked alright for a quick 10 minute rush job with the cheapo pressure washer, but is there anything very effective you'd recommend instead?

I'm pretty sure that thing has never seen a wash underneath in its 25 years, its a mix of 20+ years of dirt/concrete/oil/grease

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, I guess that's what I did with these wheels! The chemical burns were the straw that broke the camels back if you will.

image

I did the same thing a few days ago - just on a much larger scale:



Kenco degreaser and the pressure washer worked a treat - took the paint off the wheels and started taking a layer off the hub

Oops

In this particular use case with the wheels, is this something you'd use a product like 'Iron X' on?

In future I might get them either powder coated for a more durable finish or repainted.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

What would you suggest for getting rid of serious amounts of oil/grease? Is there any particular product? I've been using Kenco degreaser undiluted under my ACCO and it worked alright for a quick 10 minute rush job with the cheapo pressure washer, but is there anything very effective you'd recommend instead?

I'm pretty sure that thing has never seen a wash underneath in its 25 years

You need a solvent or alkaline product for that to break down the oil. The Kenco is obviously the solvent route, and certainly effective. I find those products messy and painful to use.

I've been loving Bilt Hamber Surfex HD for this sort of thing, its water based so much nicer to work with. But..............you will have to order it.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...a4d16c33&_ss=r
https://www.ppcco.com.au/products/bilt-hamber-surfex
https://autobuff.com.au/products/bil...aner-degreaser

I use it at 1:1, which is very strong, but it can actually be diluted out to 200:1.



From this.................





To this...................





Most of that cleaning was done by soaking the oily parts with Surfex, then rinsing clean.

The other option would be to get some alkaline wheel cleaner. If you can find somewhere with Meguiar's Non-Acid Wheel Cleaner D143, that would work in a similar manner and its available in gallon sizes. Or Meguiar's Super Degreaser D108.

https://www.repco.com.au/oils-fluids...SABEgICPfD_BwE

Repco have the RTU version available -
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...heel%20cleaner

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I did the same thing a few days ago - just on a much larger scale:

image

Kenco degreaser and the pressure washer worked a treat - took the paint off the wheels and started taking a layer off the hub

Oops

In this particular use case with the wheels, is this something you'd use a product like 'Iron X' on?

In future I might get them either powder coated for a more durable finish or repainted.

IronX or similar removes surface bonded iron particles from brake and rail dust. It won't prevent further rust from reappearing on surfaces that are already exposed to the elements, as in without paint. In other words, it will remove the surface rust very temporarily, once they dry, the rust will reappear.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

You need a solvent or alkaline product for that to break down the oil. The Kenco is obviously the solvent route, and certainly effective. I find those products messy and painful to use.

I've been loving Bilt Hamber Surfex HD for this sort of thing, its water based so much nicer to work with. But..............you will have to order it.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...a4d16c33&_ss=r
https://www.ppcco.com.au/products/bilt-hamber-surfex
https://autobuff.com.au/products/bil...aner-degreaser

I use it at 1:1, which is very strong, but it can actually be diluted out to 200:1.

image

From this.................

image

image

To this...................

image

image

Most of that cleaning was done by soaking the oily parts with Surfex, then rinsing clean.

The other option would be to get some alkaline wheel cleaner. If you can find somewhere with Meguiar's Non-Acid Wheel Cleaner D143, that would work in a similar manner and its available in gallon sizes. Or Meguiar's Super Degreaser D108.

https://www.repco.com.au/oils-fluids...SABEgICPfD_BwE

Repco have the RTU version available -
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...heel%20cleaner

Perfect, I don't mind having to order in, thanks for the suggestion.

What I'll do is probably go the 5L Surfex and then get under there with the spray bottle and spray the crap out of everything and let it sit for a while then pressure wash off, I've got to squeeze in between the two diffs to get the tail shaft and the other side of the diff housings.

The idea is if I can get it all clean then I can keep an eye on where new oil leaks are coming from and sort that out.

While I'm here, have you heard of Batch Products before? They're a group of chemical people based in Melbourne's northern suburbs, they make this hand cleaner called 'Soft Hands' which is the best hand cleaner I've ever used, its unbelievable.

They've got a large range of car care products, thought it may be interesting to you:

https://www.batchproducts.com.au/car/

This is their 'soft hands' product:

https://www.batchproducts.com.au/soft-hands/

Its got me clean as after being covered in oil and grease like nothing else I've ever used, also has no chemicals for those of us who suffer from dermo if you just as much as look at your hands wrong, its a bit pricey but you don't use much of it and it works unbelievably.

Established in 1989, Batch Products is an Australian owned company that manufactures a comprehensive range of exceptionally high quality automotive car cleaning products.

Our commitment to quality is backed by ongoing investments in the most up to date manufacturing facilities. Our highly-skilled lab technicians and product directors make it their priority to keep in touch with the current market place, offering our customers the most up to date and environmentally friendly cleaning products available.

Batch prides itself on being at the forefront of research and development, consistently developing next generation products of unrivalled quality and performance. The Batch range of products are the most technologically advanced and best performing products on the market today.

Batch products, previously only available to automotive companies and professionals, are now are available to everyone through our online store. We are proud as a company to make the products favoured by the professionals now available to car cleaning enthusiasts Australia wide.

Can't think of a better person to test out their stuff and see if its good or they're full of **** - I can confirm their hand cleaner is unbelievable but not any of their car care products as thats not something I use

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Perfect, I don't mind having to order in, thanks for the suggestion.

What I'll do is probably go the 5L Surfex and then get under there with the spray bottle and spray the crap out of everything and let it sit for a while then pressure wash off, I've got to squeeze in between the two diffs to get the tail shaft and the other side of the diff housings.

The idea is if I can get it all clean then I can keep an eye on where new oil leaks are coming from and sort that out.

While I'm here, have you heard of Batch Products before? They're a group of chemical people based in Melbourne's northern suburbs, they make this hand cleaner called 'Soft Hands' which is the best hand cleaner I've ever used, its unbelievable.

They've got a large range of car care products, thought it may be interesting to you:

https://www.batchproducts.com.au/car/

This is their 'soft hands' product:

https://www.batchproducts.com.au/soft-hands/

Its got me clean as after being covered in oil and grease like nothing else I've ever used, also has no chemicals for those of us who suffer from dermo if you just as much as look at your hands wrong, its a bit pricey but you don't use much of it and it works unbelievably.



Can't think of a better person to test out their stuff and see if its good or they're full of ****

Order the Surfex with a 360-degree pump or trigger action sprayer, that will make application much easier if you are under the vehicle. Something like the Marolex (which is the better one by the way) or Kwazar pump actions, or the Kwazar Mercury 360. All have a weighted pickup tube filter, which allows you to keep spraying no matter the angle.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mar...p-sprayer-2000
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/kw...20409645891673
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/kw...20034637135961

I would still dilute Surfex, even at 1:1 / 50:50 its very strong.

Some of those Batch Products look very familiar, not the branding itself, but I'm sure they are either supplying or are being supplied by a local chemical blender.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Order the Surfex with a 360-degree pump or trigger action sprayer, that will make application much easier if you are under the vehicle. Something like the Marolex (which is the better one by the way) or Kwazar pump actions, or the Kwazar Mercury 360. All have a weighted pickup tube filter, which allows you to keep spraying no matter the angle.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mar...p-sprayer-2000
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/kw...20409645891673
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/kw...20034637135961

I would still dilute Surfex, even at 1:1 / 50:50 its very strong.

Some of those Batch Products look very familiar, not the branding itself, but I'm sure they are either supplying or are being supplied by a local chemical blender.

I think Batch Products is the manufacturer of those products and they may supply to other brands who rebottle/relabel and sell.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I think Batch Products is the manufacturer of those products and they may supply to other brands who rebottle/relabel and sell.

It wouldn't surprise me if those products were the source of the NV brand chemicals.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

In future I might get them either powder coated for a more durable finish or repainted.

Start saving for some Supachrome demountable rims

or clean them down, strip and re paint with Chromebrite.

[DFB FGXR6]

Repco have a 25% discount on their selection of Gyeon products at the moment.

https://www.repco.com.au/search/?text=gyeon

If you are on the fence about Can Coat EVO, now would be a great time to grab some while on sale, a saving of $21.25 on full RRP.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...kwSearch=gyeon

And if you are new to Gyeon, the Experience Set is on clearance and a great way to sample to range before investing in full size bottles. Included in the set is Bathe+, Wet Coat, Quick Detailer, Ceramic Detailer, Tire Express, Tire Cleaner, Restart Wash, Q²M Iron & Q²M Tar.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...kwSearch=gyeon

[FASTXR]

The hose on my Karcher pressure washer (I think its a K2?) has driven me mad ever since I bought it - I've never known a hose to kink so badly. I'd really like to replace it with a longer, more flexible hose.

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Australia that sells replacement hoses?

[real time]

Originally Posted by FASTXR

The hose on my Karcher pressure washer (I think its a K2?) has driven me mad ever since I bought it - I've never known a hose to kink so badly. I'd really like to replace it with a longer, more flexible hose.

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Australia that sells replacement hoses?

Maybe try Bunnings. Or another option would be getting a Kranzle Pressure Washer

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FASTXR

The hose on my Karcher pressure washer (I think its a K2?) has driven me mad ever since I bought it - I've never known a hose to kink so badly. I'd really like to replace it with a longer, more flexible hose.

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Australia that sells replacement hoses?

Do you mean an aftermarket house that will adapt to your karcher or just a different hose from karcher?

As mentioned bunnings sell all karcher products. If they don't stock it they'll get it for you.

I bought a 10m extension hose for my old k2 and then needed an adapter when i upgraded to a new k3.

I don't find my hose kinks. Probably the opposite. It's quite heavy and a bit cumbersome as it wants to hold its form from being wound up.

[Top_Ghia]

Waxit do a range of pressure washer upgrade parts including hoses.

[stannoplan]

I would love a gun or hose or adapter for a K2 that is 360/rotating, am sick of untwisting the cord.

[FASTXR]

Originally Posted by prydey

Do you mean an aftermarket house that will adapt to your karcher or just a different hose from karcher?

I don't find my hose kinks. Probably the opposite. It's quite heavy and a bit cumbersome as it wants to hold its form from being wound up.

No I don't want another Karcher hose as I suspect it will just present the same issues as my current hose, but just with more length!

I should have been more specific - the hose doesn't actually kink (ie fold on itself) but I find that it continually coils on itself and will not lay out flat. I suspect that it is the way it is constructed with a hard-ish plastic and what feels like wire reinforcing inside, and it is the hose 'memory' that is the issue. I want something that will lay flat and be supple and won't coil up.

[CyberWasp]

I have a Gernie hose that rolls up onto its reel so does the same thing when you roll it out to use.

All you can do is to roll and stretch it out into the sun before use for a few mins and it is ok.

It is a pain as I have to anchor the main unit as you do it, as it stands upright and topples over as you unwind and uncoil. I use 2 x 10 litre filled car wash buckets to hold it there as I do it and make sure i am well away from the Car.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FASTXR

The hose on my Karcher pressure washer (I think its a K2?) has driven me mad ever since I bought it - I've never known a hose to kink so badly. I'd really like to replace it with a longer, more flexible hose.

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Australia that sells replacement hoses?

There are a few ways to go about this, depending on your budget.

If it were me, I would be upgrading the hose and gun in one hit. This is easily done and ,you simply select the Karcher fitting when shopping so that it can be adapted to your machine.

Waxit have put a lot into their pressure washing packages and single item upgrades to suit machines like Karcher's and Gerni's, where as Detailing Shed have a more pro-level focus aimed at higher end machines like Kranzle's.

The reason why I suggest replacing both the hose and gun is that the gun allows for much easier use of the foam cannon, while also providing a swivel point to help limit hose bind.

Waxit offer both 3/8 and 1/4-inch hoses. The 1/4 will be closer to the Karcher hose and will actually provide superior flexibility compared to the 3/8. You would go 3/8 if you are chasing high flow rate from a larger machine. For car washing, you need 12 to 15 meters to be able to move around the car without moving the machine.

So, you would team this hose in 50 feet length (out of stock at the moment) -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40423069646937

You then need the hose adaptor kit for Karcher -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40509933518937

You would then need a M22 14mm 3/8 male thread quick connect (this then allows you to connect the aftermarket gun) -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40423881277529

Then team all of that with this gun package -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40413952901209



Or..................buy this kit with everything you need (with or without a foam cannon) -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40519310475353



Or..............buy a Kranzle K1152 (The best car washing pressure washer on the market with one of the best OEM hoses. Once you use one of these, you will fall in love!) -
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ull-mtm-bundle


If you are still unsure, either PM me or send Waxit an email, they are usually quite helpful. It takes a bit to get your head around, but its actually pretty simple once you know what to look for.

I also have a thread here on this subject -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11496392

[DFB FGXR6]

Meanwhile, I came across this today........................

[GCRXR6]

Originally Posted by FASTXR

No I don't want another Karcher hose as I suspect it will just present the same issues as my current hose, but just with more length!

I should have been more specific - the hose doesn't actually kink (ie fold on itself) but I find that it continually coils on itself and will not lay out flat. I suspect that it is the way it is constructed with a hard-ish plastic and what feels like wire reinforcing inside, and it is the hose 'memory' that is the issue. I want something that will lay flat and be supple and won't coil up.

Perhaps it is the way it is rolled up? Do you roll it up like thread on a bobbin, or do you roll, one loop, turn the next coil back on itself etc. It's easy to demonstrate, but hard to explain. Search You Tube for rolling up a hose, or power lead.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GCRXR6

Perhaps it is the way it is rolled up? Do you roll it up like thread on a bobbin, or do you roll, one loop, turn the next coil back on itself etc. It's easy to demonstrate, but hard to explain. Search You Tube for rolling up a hose, or power lead.

There is certainly a technique to rolling a hose (I do it several times a day), but the hoses supplied with most pressure washers are total junk and incredibly annoying to deal with. That applies to hoses on a reel or loose.